Albright Care Services recently received a letter from the family of Charles Misner, who passed away in September at Normandie Ridge Senior Living Community. The beautifully written letter was accompanied by a donation for the Memory Care Residence at Normandie Ridge. Here is a portion of the letter written by John Misner, Charles’ son on behalf of the family.
Dear Albright Care Services:
Please accept the enclosed gift on behalf of Charles P. Misner, former resident of the memory care community at Normandie Ridge. It was difficult for Dad to relocate to Memory Care from his and mom’s apartment, but your thoughtful staff welcomed Dad and helped him enjoy being the only male in Memory Care. We enjoyed visits with Dad and his new friends, until COVID-19 forced everyone into isolation. s
Unfortunately, Dad’s health declined during isolation. We eventually met with Hospice the day before Dad died and received permission to visit him in-person to say goodbye.
After his passing, we sat with Dad in his room as a family, while various members of your staff dropped by to share stories about Dad. Then, the ladies from Hospice quietly asked us to leave the room while they dressed Dad in his commemorative Navy clothes. We then spent over an hour as a family in a private visitation. We realized with COVID-19 restrictions, this would likely be the only visitation before his graveside service.
The funeral home arrived and when we were ready, we stepped out into the hallway expecting to find it empty. Instead, the hallway was filled with residents and the Memory Care staff. Everyone came to pay their final respects to their friend Charlie. They stood as his flag draped body processed from his room through the hallway. Amazing Grace played softly in the background. Their gathering was overwhelmingly sincere, respectful and heartfelt. Our family was touched and blessed beyond words by this tribute.
Thank you for this wonderful Memory Care ministry at Normandie Ridge.
The Misner Family
We spoke with John about writing the letter and he said, “I wanted the staff to know how much this meant to our family. Having that time to sit with him to say goodbye was something we will never forget. We will also never forget the residents and staff who saluted him when he was brought out of his room.”
The staff at Normandie Ridge Memory Care are a shining example of being called to serve, and Albright Care Services is proud that they are part of our family. Albright invites you to continue your mission by joining us at one of our six locations. Visit www.AlbrightCare.org for information on senior living, day programs, giving or volunteering.
